DENVER — Near East 6th Avenue and Laredo Street in Aurora, about 50 auto repair shops are looking for new spaces as the marijuana industry is gobbling up warehouse space by offering top dollar to property owners.
Plans call for cultivation centers to be put in all but five of the units, which are located in three buildings.
“It’s well and good that owners can sell to who they want, but our owner only gave us 40 days to find a new location,” said Rob McAnally of R & H Auto Repair. “I have cars to fix while working 13 or 14 hours a day and find time to look for a new space for my shop … all within less than 40 days. This is next to impossible!”
John Homburger—landlord—says for him, it’s all about business.
“I have 10 units and am selling half, to help pay down the million dollar loan on the property,” said Homburger. “But, I also have a daughter with fourth stage breast cancer and need money to help her survive.”
With all that as a backdrop, the marijuana industry is also waiting in the wings to pick up space for grows and distribution centers. For owners, the sale or rent of space will bring in much more money per square foot, so, ending leases with auto shop owners is “easy money.”
Some relief could come with Majestic Realty’s new 452,000 sq. ft. industrial and distribution facility—the Majestic Commercenter—at the intersection of I-70 and Tower Road. It’s set to open November 1.
If anyone out there might have auto repair shop space—Robin has a 1250-square-foot place at about $1250 a month—please give him a call at 720-276-7445 or 303-365-9220.